when the light dims
and hate from the shadows
explodes into rancor headlines
man reveals beast
our true colors, warped
painting promises of a dark Prometheus
they seek rabid rapture in oppression
hollow edged fists bear torches
obscuring our triumph, our passion, our poignancy
illuminating our savagery, our inhumanity, our bloodlust
the racism coiling sinuous leather lies in the name of progress
emboldened by leaders
hungering for divides and distractions
they march proudly
into their sham conqueror’s high
old flags expose ancient hates in new masks
and pointing fingers meet screaming eyes
It is not enough to witness
It is not enough to condemn
It is not enough to disavow
Now, we must love
And act and hope and hurt and sob
Unite and fight and thrive and reach
Revel in every single flavor of humanity
Live beyond our labels
And together, rise